Alright all of you relic seekers and pro's. I need y'all to take a REALLY close look and tell me what Dwayne has found...............

[therick]

Deep down in my heart, I can't help but think it's a fantasy piece or replica BUT I have quite a few poignant questions that may dispel those thoughts. This item was dug from about 6 inches deep and other than a little soap and water, it is as dug.

These are some of the questions that come to mind.......

#1 Why was this found in Florida (Tampa Area) at an old homestead? I know that many Civil War items were kept after the war because in the south all industry had been pretty much destroyed so you came home with what was on your back and glad to have that.

#2 If it is a fantasy piece, why does it seem to be a Cartridge Box Plate instead of a Buckle that would have much more appeal to the consumer? Who would buy a replica of a Cartridge Box Plate? Doesn't seem to me to be a large calling for them in order to reproduce. CS Cartridge Box Plates seem to be harder to find than Unicorns.

#3 It could be part of an adornment for a Saddle. Common sense says it's too heavy to be a hat or Kepi decoration.

Any how, dust off those old catalogs and Belt Plate books and give me what you got. If this thing IS real, it could be worth some serious coinage!

[attachment 190280 plate2.jpg] Here you go ! Hopefully it is what it is !!

[attachment 190281 plate1.jpg] Side view. Check out the hammered rivets. Looks like it would have been centered in something leather like. Also see the #3?

[attachment 190282 plate3.jpg] Quarter for scale. Not big enough to be any kind of a belt buckle.

[attachment 190283 plate4.jpg] Another view of the hammered rivets.

[attachment 190284 plate5.jpg] Reverse of plate with #3 at top center.

[attachment 190286 plate6.jpg] Reverse again with quarter for scale.

There you have it! Seems to be made of copper or brass, it's not rusty so no iron. Give me your best shot and let me know what y'all think.

therick

 

[d-2]

I think (hope) it's real. Looks good to me but I am no expert at all. Perchance a cartridge box plate. I know if I had found it I would still be dead. I found a US belt plate and about died then. Great find what ever it is...d2

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[Bell]

I'm no expert either, but the age and workmanship looks right.

 

[usmc0351]

mullinax, kerkis and gavin dont list anything close to this. but thats not to say its not something. i dont think its a plate or box plate. north south trader had an aritcle about something that was similar to your find, and that was many many years ago and i couldnt even begin to find which volumn that was in. ive something like this before and im not too sure, but i think it had something to do with the UCV's.

 

[Larry (IL)]

Here is some interesting reading, seems like this PC George might be a good one to contact.

http://cwbullet.org/bullet-relic-forum/archive/index.php/t-5498.html

 

[Jim West Pa]

n/t

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[TomB]

Some where over the years I have seen a similar plate. Its not a buckle and I don't think its a cartridge box place. I'm thinking its a plate that was used on a set of custom made saddlebags. I have done some searching and have yet to find a match. Still working on it. HH TomB

 

[TomB]

You didn't find that item in or near Jackson County Fl. did you Rick? HH TomB

 

[cdsmith46]

I am so glad that you found my name plate! I dropped it while vacationing in Fla some time ago, but could never find it. I would appreciate your returning it to me...
(C)huck (S)mith
St. Francisville, LA